A toxic workplace is one that causes emotional and physical reactions over a period of time that diminishes productivity and happiness. Quite literally it resembles poison to your career and well-being. The good news is that a toxic work environment is not permanent one and recovery takes place once you identify the problem and develop a plan of action.

In order to have a healthy discussion about toxic workplaces, it helps to know the signs. Here are some ways to tell if your workplace is damaging your well-being.

Photo: Jupiterimages, Getty Images

A toxic workplace is one that causes emotional and physical...

A toxic workplace is one that causes emotional and physical... Photo-6230438.84763 - SFGate

You live in a constant state of worry that you are doing something wrong; that if you make a mistake, you may lose your jobs; that you can’t keep up with your workload; or impending doom. An anxious mindset often leads to mistakes.

Photo: Jamie Grill, Getty Images

You live in a constant state of worry that you are doing something...

You live in a constant state of worry that you are doing something... Photo-6230430.84763 - SFGate

Image 4 of 7 | Anger

This can include an increased level of irritability, being short-tempered with those around you, being less patient or participating in blaming others. Too many demands and less time to meet them can create hostility.

Photo: Ben-Schonewille, Getty Images

This can include an increased level of irritability, being...

This can include an increased level of irritability, being... Photo-6230434.84763 - SFGate

Image 5 of 7 | Lack of control

This can happen over time when you are overwhelmed with work pressures or change. There is a sense of powerlessness that comes from feeling ignored or being unable to say no to something. When work pressures increase and you have little input on how the work will be done, you can feel powerless and stuck.

Photo: DreamPictures, Getty Images

This can happen over time when you are overwhelmed with work...

This can happen over time when you are overwhelmed with work... Photo-6230436.84763 - SFGate

Image 6 of 7 | Loss of confidence

When you start doubting your abilities to do your job, that’s a red flag you may be in a toxic work environment. Comparing yourself to other people and being reminded you are not meeting expectations can lead to a loss of confidence. When your work culture values the bottom line more than it does people, you can find yourself in a constant state of uncertainty, which often produces a feeling of low self-worth.

This evolves slowly, but you may find yourself gradually losing interest in going out, being too fatigued to socialize or being so consumed by work that you don’t have enough time for other people. In one incident, an employee described how he left work Friday night focused on being a recluse until Monday morning. He had no desire to go out or to develop relationships. He was too tired to do anything outside of work.

Photo: Cavan Images, Getty Images

This evolves slowly, but you may find yourself gradually losing...

This evolves slowly, but you may find yourself gradually losing... Photo-6230433.84763 - SFGate